Universal's Islands of Adventure®

Islands of Adventure is the newest addition to Universal Studios Florida and has been called “the most high-tech theme park in the world.” It is especially popular with families with small children and teens. Here you can defy gravity, battle comic book heroes, ride the white water rapids, and experience the world’s first inverted, dual roller coaster. Islands of Adventure Orlando is almost like six theme parks in one; it is made up of six entirely different themed islands, where you “live” the adventure. From Marvel Superhero Island to Toon Lagoon, there is a different ride for young and old – something for just about everyone to enjoy. Islands of Adventure is located inside the Universal Orlando Studios Resort, on the southeast side of Orlando, just twenty minutes north of Windsor Palms and about 10 minutes from Disney World.

From the Port of Entry, which is the main entrance to Islands of Adventure (accessed by walking through CityWalk), all of the themed islands surround a large lake. Moving counterclockwise, once you enter into the park is Seuss Landing, a ten-acre area designed specifically for young people (and those who are young at heart). This is really the only kid-oriented area within this park. The other “islands” are more suited to kids over the age of nine, teens, and adults. The Lost Continent is the next island of adventure and features rides, shows, and attractions for teens and adults alike.

As guests continue their island-hopping adventure, new for 2010 is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Jurassic Park is next, based on the movies. This area features the Jurassic Park River Adventure along with an assortment of other dinosaur-themed rides and attractions suitable for people of all ages. Comic strips come alive within Toon Lagoon, where characters like Popeye, Dudley Do-Right, and Beetle Bailey are the basis for a handful of whimsical rides, shows, and attractions.

Finally, for comic book fans of all ages, Marvel Super Hero Island is where you'll find two of the park's most popular thrill rides, the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom's Fearfall.

Islands of Adventure Tips

Park Tips

Tip #1: Buy tickets in advance so you won't need to line up at the gate. You can buy your Universal Orlando tickets here.Tip #2: The best way to see Islands of Adventure is early in the morning. If you're at the park when it opens during peak season, you'll pretty much be able to hit every ride with little wait time. During off-peak periods, certain attractions open later in the morning (between 10am and 11am). Attractions that are likely to open later are Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges, Me Ship, the Olive, Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and the Flying Unicorn. Crowds are drawn to the left upon entering the park as that's where the Hulk is, and as such, it is the first attraction to fill up. Skipping the Hulk first thing in the morning (unless it's a must-do ride for you), will keep you pacing ahead of the crowds as you make your way around the park. Waiting until later in the day to do the Hulk almost guarantees a wait, but you will have experienced most everything Islands has to offer before the rest of the park gets busy. Tip #3: Sun block is a good idea at any theme park, but it's especially good at Islands of Adventure if you plan on spending any time at all in Seuss Landing. Seuss Landing is comprised of bright, iridescent colors. Colors that do a good job of reflecting sunlight. As a result, you could get a lot more sun than you bargained for. Tip #4: The rides that are the 'big draws' are Spiderman and Incredible Hulk Coaster (Marvel Super Hero Island), Dueling Dragons (Lost Continent), and Jurassic Park River Adventure (Jurassic Park). Expect these attractions to fill up quickly. If you plan to hit all these attractions, and you are not a Universal resort guest, get to the park early and purchase an ExpressPlus pass. You will be able to use it once on each attraction to by-pass the regular line. Tip #5: Islands of Adventure is a very WET park. On most rides you will experience some kind of water. On rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure you may get somewhat wet. On Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges, however, you will get SOAKED, same is true for rides like Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls. Be sure to wear clothing that will be comfortable when wet, or at least bring a change of clothing with you. You can also pick up rain ponchos at various locations throughout the park.

Ride Tips

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

This is the most popular ride in the entire park, this is the 1st ride you should ride. *The best seat is the front, as far as having the best view. The back is the best if you want a bumpy ride. I am surprised how bumpy the back is and how tame the front is.* Spider-Man has Single Rider Lanes so if you are alone or don't mind splitting up your family you can use that to shorten your wait dramatically. TIP: If you become motion sick, you may want to close your eyes or look at the ceiling or props and not at the screens.

The Incredible Hulk Rollercoaster

The hulk has temp lockers for storage, before you ride you should put you belongs in there. So you don't loose them on the ride. Check the net above the bridge entering the Island, those shoes, or hat, or glasses could be yours so put them in a locker its free. Single riders line is available. The single riders line usually opens when the regular wait is 30 minutes or more. For the best view, ride in the front row. For a more intense ride, choose the back row.

Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall

There are no real tips for this, unless you want to see Universal next door or downtown Orlando you would sit on the right side of the lift. The Front face the park, the left faces Toon Lagoon and Dr. Philips High School. Single riders line is available. The single riders line usually opens when the regular wait is 30 minutes or more.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

A very popular ride in Islands of Adventure, toward the afternoon when it gets hot that line will be PACKED. Therefore, before noontime you should ride it or just before closing time ride it. Towards closing people, do not go on it because they do not want to be soaked while they are driving home. You might want to get a front seat because the middle and back are not too comfortable plus you don't have to look over someone's head to see what is coming next.

Popeye and Bluto’s Bilage Rat Barges

This is the “WETTEST” ride in the park. Therefore, a good tip is to leave your wallet, cameras, and anything that will be ruined by water with family or friend you are with. They have pouches on the raft to store things in but to be on the safe side I would bring a ziploc bag for extra protection. The rafts spin so if you see someone get off the ride with just splashes and you take his seat, guess what you are not going to be as lucky. They don't follow a track, the water spins you so it's never the same ride twice.

Dueling Dragons

Fire and Ice are the 2 coasters what is the difference between the 2? Most prefer Fire as the better of the 2.

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